WATERLOO have received praise from an unexpected source ahead of tomorrow's clash of the 100 per centers.

WATERLOO have received praise from an unexpected source ahead of tomorrow's clash of the 100 per centers.

Second-placed Waterloo welcome National League Three North leaders Halifax to Blundellsands, with at least one of only three 100 per cent National League records set to end.

Division One Worcester are the only other of the 70 National League teams to have won every game so far this season.

And Halifax secretary Mike Smith believes that although his side is six points clear of Waterloo, the Merseysiders have the advantage in the championship race because of their superior points scoring difference despite having three games in hand.

He is a great admirer of the Blundellsands outfit and explains: "Even though Nuneaton won the title last season, we believe that Waterloo were the best side in Three North and they've improved since then.

"We are going well but, after a 13-12 defeat against Worcester in the Powergen Cup, injuries hit us and we didn't have strength in depth," Smith added. "We signed 15 players in the close season and several of them are now in the first team.

"During September and October we were winning but not playing well. It's taken some time but in the last three or four weeks we have started to come together as a team.

"We've done our homework and one of our coaching staff watched Waterloo beat New Brighton and was very impressed."

Promising 18-year-old student Adam Glover will get his first call up to the senior squad.

Cheshire/South Lancashire First Division leaders Widnes will hope to complete the double at derby rivals Birchfield, who they beat 119-11 last month.

They will be without Matt Riley, who plays for North England Colts on Sunday, so skip-per Chris Needham steps in.

Visitors Sefton will bid to beat Prenton for the second time in a week and claim a sixth successive Cheshire/ South Lancashire Third Division success which has carried them from joint bottom to sixth.

They will be boosted by the return of pack men Willie Coulter and Mark Tyms.